Officer doing work for Naidu: Minister

The friction between BC welfare minister Basavaraju Saraiah and his department’s principal secretary AK Parida came out in the open on Friday when the minister flew into a rage at the official in his absence while speaking to mediapersons.

The minister accused the officer of being at the beck and call of TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and K Yerran Naidu and doing things for them.

“Parida is using five cars,” he further alleged. Meanwhile, AP BC Welfare Association president R Krishnaiah said that Parida was known for his sincerity in work.

“Some officers may have difficulty in working with him but Parida’s integrity cannot be questioned,” he said.

When contacted, Parida told Express that he had no differences with the minister and said he obeyed the minister’s orders and followed business rules. He said he was fortunate enough to work under Saraiah.

Parida clarified that he did not receive any calls from Chandrababu Naidu or Yerran Naidu.

“You can verify my call record.” On the allegations that director Zaleel went on leave protesting against his attitude, Parida said Zaleel was a good officer and he went on leave on personal grounds.